kamloopsthisweek.com | kamloopsthisweek |
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2022 | Volume 35 No. 32
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RIVER SAFETY MEASURES TO BE REVIEWED JESSICA WALLACE
STAFF REPORTER
jessica@kamloopsthisweek.com
Dr. Michael Mthandazo moved to Vernon in January 2021, where he worked as a family physician. He is presumed to have drowned in the Thompson River in Kamloops on July 30, 2022. GOFUNDME.COM PHOTO
The presumed drowning of a soccer player at McArthur Island over the BC Day long weekend has prompted donations from the soccer community and questions about whether increased safety measures are needed along the riverbank. Dr. Michael Mthandazo entered the river for a swim with his son during a recreational soccer tournament in Kamloops on July 30, according to an online fundraiser at gofundme.com. While cooling off in the water off McArthur Island, the current of the river picked up speed and, while Mthandazo was able to help his son get out of the water, the doctor was unable to do so himself and was swept away. “Dr. Mthandazo was the sole income earner and does not have any extended family locally, so his wife, Julia, and their two sons (ages 11 and eight months) will need a lot of support from the community,” the fundraiser, organized by Noha Fossen, stated. The fundraising page was started with the blessing of Mthandazo’s wife to alleviate some of the financial burden ahead for the family.
Mthandazo moved to Vernon in January 2021, where he worked as a family physician. He was playing on a Fraser Valley team in the Kamloops Invitational Soccer Tournament. Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Crystal Evelyn said the body of Mthandazo had not been located as of Tuesday afternoon. City of Kamloops CAO David Trawin said in a statement the city is exploring whether action could be taken, including increased signage. He said the city is saddened to hear of the incident and expressed sympathy on behalf of the municipality. He added the tragedy serves as an important reminder to residents and visitors that the rivers can be unpredictable and dangerous. Trawin said the rivers remain unseasonably high and fast flowing for this time of year. Spring freshet was delayed due to a cool spring, which has caused river levels to remain high for an extended period into summer months. Coun. Bill Sarai is a Brocklehurst resident. He said when the water is at its low point, it is possible to walk along the riverbanks and from McArthur Island to Rabbit Island. See ONLINE FUNDRAISER, A7
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